BPAFFC and NACTA hold “Rhythm of Chinese Opera, Legacy of Elegance” – Cultural Experience Event for Spouses of Heads of Mission

BPAFFC and NACTA hold “Rhythm of Chinese Opera, Legacy of Elegance” – Cultural Experience Event for Spouses of Heads of Mission

Yin Xiaodong, President of the NACTA, extended a warm welcome to the guests. He stated that as an institutional council member of the BPAFFC, the NACTA is obligated to exploit its strengths to carry out a variety of international exchange events on opera. He hoped that this event would underscore the role of opera as a bridge of friendship between Chinese people and those in other countries and contribute to building Beijing into the national cultural center and a center for international exchanges.

On behalf of the spouses of heads of mission in China, Ha Angelet Phan, the spouse of the Belgian Ambassador to China, thanked the BPAFFC and the NACTA for organizing this experience event. She lauded China’s endeavor to preserve and develop cultural heritage, and hoped that this event would strengthen understanding and friendship among civilizations and deepen people-to-people friendship and exchanges to build mutual respect and closer ties.

The performance was ceaselessly filled with exciting climaxes and highlights. The chamber music piece Tanban, performed by students from the Music Department of the NACTA, featured resonant and rhythmic tunes, capturing the essence and charm of traditional Chinese music. Student from the Department of Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera brought to life a classic scene from Sylph Scattering Flowers, in which a fairy scatters the blossoms, symbolizing prosperity and blessings and highlighting the profound Eastern aesthetics. Students from the Department of Chinese Opera Performing Arts took the stage with a vivid portrayal of Hua Mulan, demonstrating the bravery and valor of the legendary Chinese folk heroine. The evening reached its zenith with the intricate face-changing art in Sichuan opera. This performance featured the magical skill of rapidly changing facial masks, drawing bursts of applause and cheers from the audience.

During the lecture and interactive experience session, teachers from the Department of Chinese Opera Performing Arts explained the artistic characteristics and performance techniques of the Dan (female) roles in Chinese opera. The spouses of heads of mission were invited to get hands-on with Chinese opera. Dressed in traditional costumes, they learned to wave water sleeves and spin folding fans, immersing themselves in the grace and rhythm of opera. Then, the guests painted exquisite round silk fans under the instruction of teachers from the Department of Stage Arts. They also engaged in a discussion with the faculty, sharing their insights and reflections on the opera experience. The atmosphere at the event was lively and engaging.

At the beginning of the event, the guests observed a basic training class of the Department of Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. They watched up close as opera performers practiced their basic skills, getting a glimpse of their behind-the-scenes hard work and dedication.

Lydia Xu, the spouse of the ambassador of Greece to China, remarked that this event enabled the spouses of heads of mission in China to gain a deeper understanding of the essence of and stories behind Chinese opera. They were deeply moved by the sight of young performers practicing their skills. The spouses of heads of mission in China also had the chance to wear water sleeves and maneuver them to music. Such immersive experiences are crucial to promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries, she added.

Dominique Ibsen, the spouse of Icelandic Ambassador to China, remarked that she and her husband have a keen interest in Peking opera and have attended several events for diplomats to China, but none of those events offered such in-depth insights as today’s event. This event was truly exceptional, illustrating various aspects of traditional Chinese opera and in particular, different characters and their symbolic gestures and movements. She said that this experience had significantly deepened her appreciation and love for Chinese opera.

Maestra Dalcy Cabrera, the spouse of Mexican Ambassador to China, said that she and her husband have been trying to understand Peking opera before coming to China and throughout their more than eight years of living here. They have found that Peking opera features a rich set of characters, diverse musical compositions, and intricate stage performances. Speaking of the time-honored cultures of China and Mexico, she believes that traditional culture should not be overshadowed or strangled in the name of modernization. She also suggested that future Mexican diplomats to China should take the time to learn about Peking opera.

Li Biyou, Secretary of the CPC NACTA Committee, Zhang Qian, Executive Vice President of the BPAFFC, and Wang Yanxia, Vice President of the BPAFFC, attended the event.